Latest news with #LeRoux
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Embracing the in-between — why we need to ditch the people-or-wildlife conservation binary
Dr Elizabeth Le Roux's research focuses on one of the most urgent but overlooked issues in conservation: connectivity between isolated protected areas. As wild habitats become increasingly fragmented, animals and even plants struggle to move, migrate and disperse across landscapes. Sounding more like a philosopher of the postmodern condition than an ecologist, Dr Elizabeth le Roux dwells on the importance of in-between spaces, of flow and dynamic relationships. It's time, she says, to bin the physical and conceptual binaries of spaces for people and spaces for conservation. Or cattle versus wildlife. We're talking on Zoom about her research on 'cattle corridors', for which she was awarded the prestigious Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer research grant (JWO Research Grant) in 2022. Le Roux's research focuses on one of the most urgent but overlooked issues in conservation: connectivity between isolated protected areas. As wild habitats become increasingly fragmented, animals and even plants struggle to move, migrate and disperse across landscapes. Initially I'm under the impression that the problem we're talking about is fences around game parks. However, Le Roux points out that 'across the whole of Africa, a lot of the protected areas don't have fences to begin with. They are already completely open to the rangelands beyond. Where we do have fences, yes, that becomes a question for some of the bigger animals. But for this project, we're looking at smaller species like jackals, bush babies, mongoose and even birds that are not limited by the fences themselves, but limited by the hospitability of the habitats they need to cross. 'So it's about more than fences.' But if the impediment to movement is not fences, then what is? Le Roux answers that withered grasslands and degraded ecosystems can be unbridgeable and so set up a fence of desolation which confines animals and plants to a limited range, which itself shrinks under the threat of climate change or poor management. Le Roux and her team of PhD and master's students are therefore investigating, in Zimbabwe and Botswana, how cattle-grazed rangelands, if managed carefully, can serve as ecological corridors linking reserves across the southern African region. The emphasis is on 'cattle-grazed'. This has implications not only for wildlife survival but also for the resilience of rural livelihoods which depend on pastoralism, and which is often pitted against traditional conservation practices. One line of research explores how grazing strategies influence wildlife connectivity through changes in grassland structure and microclimates. By combining tools like temperature loggers, camera traps and LIDAR scanning, the study assesses how varying cattle impacts and grazing intensities affect habitat quality for animals ranging from lizards to birds. The aim is to understand how landscape features such as shelter, temperature and vegetation complexity shape animal movement and to model connectivity between protected areas based on these findings. Parallel research focuses on plant connectivity and genetic health in rangeland ecosystems. This includes studying how different grazing methods influence landscape suitability for seed germination, nutrient variability and its link to plant species diversity, and the genetic flow between wildlife populations. Together, these projects highlight the ecological risks of habitat fragmentation, not just for large, mobile species, but also for smaller organisms whose movement and survival depend on habitat quality and genetic exchange across landscapes. Le Roux argues that in nature, some of the most important processes unfold in transitional, in-between spaces, like rangelands, where uncertainty isn't something to be feared, but embraced. These are areas that are not boxed-in or exclusively defined, neither pristine wilderness nor intensive agriculture, but something more dynamic: places where livelihoods and ecological function can coexist. In a world being shaped by growing human pressures, Le Roux argues that we need to reimagine what nature looks like, not just as something to preserve in isolation, but something to live within, 'respectfully'. Acknowledging this tension and the need to move beyond binaries of control and wilderness, there is an irony in Le Roux's attitude, because it contradicts what motivated her to become an ecologist in the first place. 'Honestly,' she says with more than a touch of embarrassment, 'I started for selfish reasons. I wanted to find a job where I could be in this wild nature that nobody else is in, where I could just have my space and enjoy it while it's there. 'But since I started actually working in the field I've become a lot more positive about the future of nature than I was when I was a student. Because then I was thinking, we were absolutely never going to recreate nature like it used to be. But I don't see it that way anymore. And I think there are relatively easy paths to go down to create space that is acceptable. I don't mean in a despondent way, but 'acceptable' as in, this can be an ecologically functional landscape.' Relinquishing her fixation on 'unspoiled nature' and a desire, or rather obsession, to control it has allowed her to see and use the value of an African perspective in her work. Le Roux is based at the University of Aarhus in Denmark, where she is an associate professor, which has given her a realisation of 'how much African scientists and African people have to teach Europe. I now work in rewilding in Denmark, where they're trying to get some semblance of nature back, some semblance of autonomous nature back into a system that is outlined in linear borders of precise management in-between corn and rapeseed fields and whatnot.' African ecologists and people who live in rangelands 'have an understanding of systems that have long been lost from the knowledge of Europe', she says. Denmark, she emphasises, is a country where 'the space that's been left for nature is so small that many people feel they have to control every inch of it. Oftentimes all that is available is a tiny block, that we can only put in a small herd of feral cows and a tiny band of horses, and then we monitor exactly what happens. That kind of control becomes necessary when you've only got fragments left. 'But I think people have forgotten what wild nature actually is, and that it's not as intimidating as they imagine to have functional wild systems. You don't need to control every detail. 'Take rangelands, for example, those spaces connecting protected areas. People often think, 'We must manage this park and that park, and everything in between is just a mess that we can't control'. But we don't need total control over the in-between. What we need are basic principles of ecological functionality, and to not mess it up by pushing too hard for an unrealistic notion of untouched wilderness. 'If we overload the demands on rangelands, people are forced to convert them into agriculture, which is far worse ecologically than using them for grazing. Production grazing, when done right, can actually support ecological processes. We don't need to fixate on having X number of this species or that one. 'Ecologists, African or otherwise, understand the processes that sustain ecosystems: such as connectivity, dispersal, disturbance. Especially patchy disturbance. There's this core idea in ecology, the 'intermediate disturbance hypothesis': too little disturbance, and dominant species take over and reduce biodiversity; too much, and only pioneers survive. But if you hit that balance, some areas disturbed, others resting, shifting across time and space, that's where diversity thrives. 'We understand these processes. But implementation varies hugely; what works in Denmark doesn't map neatly onto Africa. And our thinking has become so polarised: it's either completely wild or it's not nature at all. 'We need to reimagine what a functional landscape looks like, not just a protected one. Rangelands can offer functionality and support livelihoods, unlike monocultures of corn. Conservation used to mean trying to capture a frozen image of what nature looked like before humans, putting it behind fences, pulling out invasives, sealing it off. 'But we now know ecosystems are dynamic.' But Le Roux muses that even the language we use evokes the opposite of dynamism. 'We call it 'conservation', as if we're preserving something static. I think we need to look forward instead: to novel but functional futures. Futures that may not look like the past, but still work. And I hope this project contributes to that reimagining.' Is there a word preferable to 'conservation'? ' Wow, that's a hard one. Perhaps 'stewardship' is a better alternative. I'd want something that means management, but without implying total control. I keep coming back to the idea of the autonomy of nature. We need to recognise that many functional processes can happen without us, as long as we stop interrupting them. For example, dispersal can happen if we maintain connectivity. We can be part of the landscape, just like other species, but we must be aware of whether our presence disrupts or facilitates those key ecological functions. 'Right now, it feels like we're trying to protect this idealised vision of wild nature while facing overwhelming pressures: climate change, land use, globalisation. And frankly, to use a crude metaphor, it can feel like farting against thunder. You're not going to win by doing the same old thing. 'We really have to reimagine these landscapes. And I hope this project is a small step in that direction,' says Le Roux. DM The JWO Research Grant is an annual award of $150,000 to support early-career scientists seeking solutions to some of Africa's most pressing environmental problems. This year's winner will be announced at the Oppenheimer Research Conference in Midrand in October.
Courier-Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Buyers lock down prime Olympic base
Liezel and Pieter Le Roux hope to be well and truly settled into their Kangaroo Point apartment by the time the 2032 Olympics come to Brisbane. The couple recently locked down an apartment in a boutique development due to be completed mid-2027. 'We own a house in Ascot, but we knew later on we would definitely want to downsize and have that apartment living,' Mrs Le Roux. 'Price growth is happening so quickly now, especially in Brisbane, you just need to get in and buy.' Mrs Le Roux said when she and Mr Le Roux came across the 130 Lambert development, they knew it was perfect for them. 'We decided to buy off the plan to secure our future home at today's price, especially with the growth coming over the next few years with the Olympics,' she said. 'I like the fact it's a small boutique building – there's only 36 residences – as I didn't want to retire in a big building with thousands of units. 'Our apartment is huge, occupying half a floor, and it has river views. 'The building has beautiful amenities, like a rooftop pool and entertaining area, and what is also very attractive, is that it's mainly owner-occupiers (buying into the development).' RELATED: NRL Origin star signs new deal Inside Hembrow sister's dream home build Rate cut roulette: Owners to save big, but home prices set to surge Mrs Le Roux said she was shocked there was still such a prime piece of land available for development in Kangaroo Point. 'It's unique to have this style of building coming up,' she said. 'There's so little like this available lately – you have to start moving out of the city to find them. 'We like that Kangaroo Point is so central, especially with the new walking bridge. 'You don't need a car – you can just walk into the city.' Mrs Le Roux said part of the reason she and her husband chose to buy their next property in Brisbane was the Olympics. The enviable weather played a part, too. 'I'm so excited for the Olympics,' she said. 'I'll try to get tickets to whatever I can. 'It will be good to be in this city where it's all going to happen and hopefully we'll see more things life restaurants and cafes coming to the city. 'Then, if we don't want apartment living, we can sell after the price growth from the Olympics.'
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Bravo Le Roux opens up about his struggle with depression and near-exit from the music scene
Bravo Le Roux has opened up about his turbulent journey through depression, a struggle that brought him perilously close to abandoning the music industry altogether. Image: Shoot Your Shot South African hip hop artist Bravo Le Roux, whose real name is Sinesipho Peter, has opened up about his turbulent journey through depression, a struggle that brought him perilously close to abandoning the music industry altogether. Speaking candidly on Okay Swisher's 'Swisher Show' podcast, Le Roux shared how he confronted profound challenges that nearly extinguished his passion for music. Le Roux, a musical star from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, described a crucial moment in his career - the opportunity to open for acclaimed rapper Nasty C's Ivyson Tour in Cape Town. This chance should have filled him with excitement and joy. Instead, he faced a grim reality behind the scenes. 'At the time, I told myself I'm not doing music anymore. Like I'm done with this thing,' Le Roux confessed. His battle was not just with performance anxiety; it stemmed from deep-seated emotional turmoil linked to his health struggles and an overwhelming sense of disappointment about not living up to familial expectations. Just before this opportunity, Le Roux had been recovering from severe health issues, including depression and meningitis, specifically brain TB. Witnessing his peers embrace conventional life paths while navigating the demanding pursuit of a music career left Le Roux feeling despondent due to relentless pressure. 'I believed not listening to my parents was one of the reasons I was depressed,' he revealed. 'I wanted this art thing to work so badly… and I can see at home that it hurts them. So it just messed with me heavily.' In a moment of despair, he started to inform friends of his decision to quit music, feeling as though he had hit a wall with nothing left to give. However, fate took a different turn when he received an unexpected call inviting him to perform at Nasty C's event. The irony was not lost on him: 'I said, 'I'm just gonna do that and I'm out.'' Following the show, emotions surged as he anticipated a further chance to connect with Nasty C during a session at Red Bull Studios. But after faltering attempts to reach out to the organising team, the weight of lost opportunities led to a realisation. 'By the end of the night, I was like, 'Yo, I've burnt all the bridges, and this is the only thing I have - so I might just as well make it work.'' While he has yet to meet Nasty C in person, this chaotic episode became a blessing in disguise, serving as a defining turning point that steered him back on track. Laughing about it now, he said, 'I still haven't met Nasty C yet, but I'm winning, at least.' Le Roux has carved out a niche in the competitive music landscape, collaborating with several local artists, including Phantom Steeze and YoungstaCPT. His partnership with YoungstaCPT on the track 'Yabo?!' has not only enriched his artistic depth but has also fostered mutual respect grounded in their shared dedication to craft.
The Herald Scotland
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Prestwick Airport China flights game changer amid sale talks
While we wait to see what transpires on this front, with First Minister John Swinney having in late March acknowledged the existence of an 'active bid', the team at Prestwick Airport has been continuing with its drive to win business and push profits higher. For all the griping from some people about the Scottish Government's ownership, Prestwick Airport was able to reveal last November that it had made a fifth consecutive annual profit. Going airside with Prestwick Airport's head of cargo operations, Nico Le Roux, in February, what was plain was the heavy investment being made to attract new flights. By that time, Prestwick Airport was already starting to reap the rewards of this investment and planning. The investment has included equipment to handle the wide-door Airbus A350 cargo aircraft. Mr Le Roux in February highlighted the airport's expectations of more than trebling cargo revenues to in excess of £10 million a year. He flagged e-commerce flights as a 'game changer', after winning major business from Hong Kong. The cargo sector veteran said: 'This new business is going to be a game changer for the airport. It will totally transform the airport basically.' The airport is the subject of an 'active bid' (Image: Colin Mearns) Cargo revenues at Prestwick Airport totalled £3.228m in the year to March 31, 2024. Mr Le Roux revealed his expectation that cargo revenues would be more than treble that level in the airport's financial year to March 31, 2026, on the back of recent business wins. And he was confident of securing further major wins in the wake of the Hong Kong Air Cargo deal. Mr Le Roux, in this February interview hours before the arrival of the first Hong Kong Air Cargo flight, highlighted Prestwick Airport's advantages for cargo operators. He listed many, and they certainly seem like important factors. Mr Le Roux flagged in this regard quick turnaround times, lower costs, and flexibility given the airport's 24/7 operation and absence of any curfews or extra charges for landing at night. He also highlighted the fact that the airport's operations were all handled in-house by its own employees, including ground-handling, fuelling, air-traffic control and fire services. This makes it easier to coordinate things swiftly, and react quickly to airlines' requirements, he observed. Mr Le Roux noted the bonded warehouses were on site, and also highlighted the proximity of the cargo facilities to the ramps. He also flagged the fact that the airport was not congested, and its ability to accommodate large freighters. Continuing to rhyme off the competitive advantages, Mr Le Roux highlighted Prestwick Airport's ability to have a cargo plane back in the air within two hours of landing. Read more He underlined the speed with which cargo planes were unloaded once they arrived, contrasting this with the situation at some other airports. Mr Le Roux declared: 'Within two hours, we basically guarantee aircraft arrive and take off again.' He observed this was very important to operators 'because that aircraft only makes money when it is in the air'. These are surely attractive features for existing and potential customers. Given all this, it was not particularly surprising to hear of Prestwick Airport's latest success on the cargo side of its operations on Friday night. However, that does not mean the arrival of China Southern Air Logistics is any less of a big deal. Prestwick Airport's chief executive, Ian Forgie, described the agreement as a 'game changer' as it was announced just ahead of the weekend. The airport declared the deal had delivered the 'first-ever direct scheduled freighter services between China and Scotland'. The agreement between the airport and China Southern Air Logistics has seen the carrier start scheduled cargo flights at four per week between Guangzhou and Prestwick, with plans for this to increase to a daily service. The first scheduled flight landed on Friday at Prestwick Airport. The airport also flagged the China Southern Air Logistics freighter services as 'a new direct export route to China from Scotland for high-value Scottish seafood and whisky'. Read more In February, while highlighting Prestwick Airport's success in winning the Hong Kong Air Cargo flights bringing packages ordered by UK and Irish consumers on the likes of the Temu, SHEIN, and TikTok platforms, Mr Le Roux was enthusiastic about the potential for Scottish seafood and whisky to be exported on return journeys. He revealed that logistics providers serving the seafood industry and the Scotch whisky sector had been in touch on the back of news of the launch of the cargo flights from Hong Kong to Prestwick Airport, expressing interest in transporting exports on the return legs. And he flagged expectations that the workforce at Prestwick Airport would rise from 354 to about 400 on the back of the planned expansion of the cargo operations. Prestwick Airport noted on Friday night that it had invested £2.3m in equipment in the last 12 months and was continuing to invest in ground-handling equipment and cool chain supply facilities as well as employing more staff, to maximise its capabilities in handling large freighters. It is most encouraging to see all the planning and investment at Prestwick Airport coming together. The airport makes a very important economic contribution to Ayrshire and more broadly to Scotland, one that is too often disregarded by the politically motivated carpers. These detractors also seem to forget that the airport supports an aerospace cluster in and around it which employs about 4,000 people, or maybe they just do not really care about this. Prestwick Airport's growing success is all the more reason for the Scottish Government to ensure that any sale is made with the future prosperity of this strategic asset, including on the employment front, in mind. There is no reason to believe that will not be the case. When I asked Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes in late April about the importance of the jobs at Prestwick Airport and the employment supported by the airport, in the context of any potential sale, she replied: 'We have obviously saved Prestwick Airport more than a decade ago, precisely because of its strategic importance to the Scottish economy… 'If and when Prestwick is sold, it will be for the new owner to develop a business case.' Ms Forbes, who highlighted Prestwick Airport's cargo operations, declared: 'We have set out very clear lines that we want Prestwick to continue to operate as an airport.' She added: 'My view is Scotland is small enough to be able to support multiple airports but for those airports to be complementary to one another.' We will have to wait and see what emerges from the bid talks around Prestwick Airport. In the meantime, we should celebrate the airport's successes.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hall of Fame Rock and Country Artist Dies at the Age of 79
A rock and country legend died Friday, May 16, at the age of 79. Tony Haselden, the lead guitarist and vocalist for the1970s/1980s rock band LeRoux, and later a prolific songwriter in Nashville, died on Friday, according to a post from the Louisiana Jukebox Cafe. No cause of death was listed. The site says he was a South Carolina native, but later split his time between Louisiana and Nashville, Tennessee. He joined the rock band LeRoux in 1978. That band went on to have several hits, including "Take a Ride on a Riverboat," "New Orleans Ladies," "Addicted," "Carrie's Gone," and their highest-charting hit "Nobody Said It Was Easy (Lookin' for the Lights). According to the band's website, over the years, LeRoux performed with huge acts like The Allman Brothers, Journey, Kansas, Heart, The Doobie Brothers, Charlie Daniels, Foreigner, Marshall Tucker, The Outlaws, ZZ Top and more. After the band split up in the late 1980s (though they did reunite here and there over the years), Haselden moved to Nashville and was a songwriter for some of country's biggest hits, including It Ain't Nothin'" for the late Keith Whitley, "That's My Story (And I'm Stickin' To It)" for Collin Raye, "Mama Knows" for the group Shenandoah, "You Know Me Better Than That" by , "Love Needs a Holiday" by , "That's Me" by Martina McBride and "What Made You Say That" by . Haselden was also a member of two Halls of Fame — the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and the LMHOF Songwriters' Association Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2010, according to the LeRoux website. In the Facebook comments on the post about his passing, several fans say he was the most caring person. "Tony was always willing to stop and listen and tell stories. Good guy all around," wrote one fan. Another added, "On my list of the nicest people I've ever met, Tony Haseldon was very close to the top. RIP Tony." "I've known Tony since the mid-to-late 70s when he would come to Alexandria's Professional Music to jam with owner Charlie Humphreys (I worked & taught there.). I got to play with him then and ran into him occasionally in Nashville and Louisiana when he was with Leroux. He was a wonderful songwriter, a great guitarist and vocalist, and just a terrific human being. Always kind, always remembered my name and always had a good word. Bless his family and the Leroux family at this time," wrote one of his colleagues.
